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Odd feeding behavior?

I captured a very small swarm (maybe 2 lbs) a few weeks ago. The first time i fed them i put a drop of peppermint oil in, they didn't seem to like it so i didn't do it this time. I put in about a quart on Sunday, i don't think they've touched it. The ants have probably gotten more of it than the bees. Should i be feeding at all? Its pretty dry here in Oklahoma, but they are building brood and there seems to be a lot of action in and out of the hive. If they aren't going to use the sugar water i'm gonna take it out and hopfully get rid of the ants. But i really think they need it to boost the size of the hive.
Veterans, you have the floor...

Re: Odd feeding behavior?

The facts that they are bringing in pollen and rearing brood together with not taking your syrup indicate that they are finding plenty of nectar and pollen with out the syrup.
I'd take it off of the hive.